Compact Seat Kinematic with Segmented Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing passenger seat designs in business class cabins face challenges in optimizing space utilization when transitioning from a sitting to a bed position, as they often require the seat to move forward, which can limit space and interfere with the privacy shell, and lack efficient mechanisms for independent control of seat pan and backrest angles.
Innovation Solution
A seat kinematic system with a dual-actuator mechanism, including a first and second linear actuator, and a motor to drive both, allowing the seat to translate and the upper seat portion to move independently, enabling a compact design that maintains privacy while providing additional space by sliding forward and adjusting seat angles, and a backrest recline system with a motorized linear actuator and linkage for smooth transitions between positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the seat is positioned close to the privacy shell in the sitting position to optimize living space, then space utilization is improved, but the seat cannot transition smoothly to bed position without interfering with the privacy shell
Solution Approach 1:
The seat is divided into two main segments: the seat pan (lower portion) and the backrest (upper portion). This segmentation allows independent movement of each component - the seat pan can slide forward on rails while the backrest reclines independently, enabling the seat to transition to bed position without requiring the entire seat assembly to move forward and interfere with the privacy shell.
2Device complexity
If a single actuator system is used to move the seat, then device complexity is reduced, but independent control of seat pan and backrest angles is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator system is segmented into two independent actuators: a first linear actuator coupled to the seat pan for controlling fore-aft position, and a second linear actuator coupled to the backrest for controlling recline angle. This segmentation enables independent control of each seat component's angle and position, providing precise adjustment capabilities while maintaining relatively simple individual actuator designs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the seat requires forward movement to transition to bed position, then backrest rotation space is provided, but space in the cabin is reduced and privacy shell interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the seat into movable seat pan and reclining backrest components, the system allows the backrest to rotate rearward into the seat pan's sliding space rather than requiring forward movement of the entire seat. The seat pan slides forward on rails to create the necessary clearance for backrest rotation, enabling bed position transition without reducing overall cabin space or interfering with the privacy shell.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from one-dimensional forward/backward seat movement to two-dimensional adjustment by adding the rail sliding mechanism. The seat pan moves horizontally along the rails while the backrest rotates in a different plane, creating spatial efficiency by utilizing multiple degrees of freedom rather than requiring linear forward movement of the entire assembly.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system allows for efficient space optimization in passenger cabins by providing a compact seat design that maintains privacy and adjusts seamlessly between sitting and bed positions, offering improved comfort and storage capacity without interfering with adjacent seats.
Implementation Method 1
The ball screw may rotate about an axis of rotation and the link may be at an angle with the axis of rotation of the ball screw when the seat is in the upright position. The link may be aligned along the axis of rotation of the ball screw when the seat is in the relaxed or bed position.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention generally relates to passenger seats. Some embodiments are related to a compact seat kinematic for moving a seat from a retracted position to an extended position. In some embodiments an intermediate component may be provided for coupling between a lower frame and an upper seat portion. The intermediate component (230) may translate in a forward direction relative to the lower frame and may translate the upper seat portion in the forward direction relative to the intermediate component. Other embodiments relate to a seat backrest recline system that may provide constant ratio of speed and force and may forgo the need for calibration.